Maximizing Efficiency in Auto Repair Shops with Autoflow's Craig O'Neill - Chris Cotton Weekly Blitz

carmcapriotto · April 24, 2023

This episode is sponsored by AutoLeap. AutoLeap is a cloud-based all-in-one automotive invoice software that helps you supercharge your mechanic shop. Their customers have experienced:

30% increase in revenue by improving transparency and trust

50% reduction in time spent researching and ordering parts

10% increase in profit margins through robust reporting

Click here to learn more about AutoLeap and schedule a demo:

AutoLeap Link: http://bit.ly/3GRgO88

In this podcast episode, Coach Chris Cotton from Autofix Auto Shop Coaching interviews Craig O'Neill from Autoflow, formerly known as Autotext.me, about the company's name change and their personal experiences.

They discuss their favorite superheroes, morning routines, and reading habits. Craig talks about his job at Autoflow and how the company is helping auto repair shops streamline their operations and increase profits. They also discuss the challenges technicians face in digital vehicle inspections and the lack of universal language in the automotive industry. Autoflow's reporting and marketing systems are highlighted as key tools in helping auto shops maximize their productivity and efficiency.

Introduction [00:00:03] Coach Chris introduces the podcast and thanks AutoLeap for their support.

Autoflow name change [00:01:21] Coach Chris and Craig O'Neill discuss the name change from Autotext.me to Autoflow and share their experiences with the company.

Autoflow merch [00:02:03] Coach Chris and Craig O'Neill talk about the first-ever Autoflow business card and the company's pens.

Childhood memories [00:02:25] Coach Chris asks Craig O'Neill about his favorite superhero growing up and what he wanted to be when he grew up.

Reading habits [00:04:25] Coach Chris asks Craig O'Neill about his favorite way to unwind and what book he is currently reading.

Morning routine [00:05:29] Coach Chris asks Craig O'Neill about his morning routine and what he does first thing in the morning.

Craig O'Neill's job at Autoflow [00:06:58] Craig O'Neill talks about his job at Autoflow and why the company changed its name from Autotext.me.

AutoFlow's focus and brand transition [00:07:22] AutoFlow's communication platform for auto repair shops, workflow efficiency, and digital vehicle inspections. The reason for the brand transition from Autotechme.

VP of Training at AutoFlow [00:09:29] Craig O'Neill's role as VP of Training at AutoFlow, the importance of client success, and the challenges of introducing new technology to busy auto repair shops.

Opportunities in the auto industry [00:12:20] The limitless opportunities in the auto industry, the need to attract talent, and the misconception that it's a dead-end industry.

Dealership model [00:15:09] Discussion on the dealership model and its flaws, including the focus on selling new cars and the need for a middleman between the manufacturer and the client.

Industry goals [00:19:08] Craig O'Neill's goals for the industry, including the need to value knowledge and expertise, and the importance of separating the customer from their vehicle during assessments.

Digital Vehicle Inspections [00:22:48] The challenges of introducing digital vehicle inspections and how to value technicians' time and knowledge.

Transitioning from Free to Profitable Inspections [00:23:56] How Autoflow empowers shops to turn inspections into a part of their profit center and the importance of sharing knowledge.

Industry's Bad Self-Image [00:25:08] The negative self-image of the auto repair industry and how it affected pricing strategies and customer relationships.

Struggles of Independent Auto Repair Shops [00:26:24] The lack of technological advancement and coaching in the industry, leading to the closure of many independent auto repair shops.

Autoflow's Workflow and Status Updates [00:29:58] An overview of Autoflow's suite of products, with a focus on workflow and status updates via text message.

Workflow Status Updates [00:30:54] Discussion on how workflow status updates can reduce disruptions and improve communication with customers.

Digital Inspection Suite [00:32:11] Autoflow's digital inspection suite and how it can make inspections more efficient and effective.

Pre-Purchase Inspections [00:34:59] The importance of pre-purchase inspections and how shops can market them to customers.

Specialty Shops [00:36:08] The benefits of specialty shops and how they can improve their operations.

Comprehensive Pre-Purchase Inspections [00:37:22] Examples of comprehensive pre-purchase inspections and how they can benefit both customers and shops.

Inspection Standards [00:38:22] Discussion on the need for universal language and defined standards for inspections in the automotive industry.

Licensing Requirements [00:39:09] Comparison of licensing requirements for cutting hair versus working on cars in different states.

Michigan Certification Test [00:39:28] Craig's experience with the outdated Michigan certification test for brakes and the need for up-to-date testing.

ASE Test [00:40:56] Comparison of the Michigan certification test and the up-to-date ASE test.

Bay Watcher [00:42:17] Explanation of Bay Watcher, a camera system that tracks vehicles in and out of bays and provides metrics for bay efficiency.

Reporting and Bay Capacity [00:45:01] Discussion on the importance of reporting and how it helps identify bay capacity and technician productivity.

Diagnostic Time and Alarming [00:46:06] The issue of losing diagnostic time and how Autoflow alerts service advisors and technicians when work orders go over the build time.

Marketing Module [00:49:20] Autoflow's upcoming marketing module that allows for drip campaigns, text blasts, and review management.

Smart DVI [00:50:30] Autoflow's plan to introduce a smart DVI later this year that will make it more intuitive for technicians.

Upcoming Events [00:51:23] Autoflow's plans to attend upcoming events such as ASTE and Worldpac, and the presence of their sales reps at the ATE show.

Regional Training and Expo [00:51:46] Craig and Chris discuss upcoming regional training and the Sunrise Expo in Phoenix.

Final Thoughts on the Industry [00:52:34] Craig shares his thoughts on the importance of understanding the "why" behind working in the auto industry.

Autoflow Contact Information [00:53:47] Craig shares how to reach Autoflow for more information and training sessions.

Closing Remarks [00:54:09] Chris thanks Craig for being on the show and reminds listeners to keep working towards their goals.

To listen to more episodes, make sure and go over to iTunes and or Spotify.

Don't forget to rate and review us!

Connect with Chris:

AutoFix-Auto Shop Coaching

www.autoshopcoaching.com

www.aftermarketradionetwork.com

940-400-1008

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AutoFixAutoShopCoaching

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3ClX0ae